U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has canceled plans to visit South Korea following President Yoon Suk Yeol’s failed attempt to impose martial law earlier this week, two U.S. officials confirmed Thursday. The abrupt change reflects heightened tensions in the region after Yoon’s controversial move to ban political activity and censor the media.
An anonymous official indicated that while Austin’s trip was in the planning stages, South Korea was consulted about the decision to postpone, citing that “now was not the appropriate time.”
The martial law declaration, which lasted only hours before being overturned by South Korea’s National Assembly, drew widespread domestic protests and concern from international allies, including the United States. Yoon’s defense minister, who had recommended the drastic measure, has since resigned.
Austin, set to leave office by January 20 when President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated, will not make any additional overseas visits in his remaining tenure. The situation underscores ongoing political uncertainty in South Korea as its government faces scrutiny from both its citizens and global partners.
The cancellation of Austin’s trip signals a broader diplomatic recalibration as the United States monitors the stability of a key regional ally. South Korea, a cornerstone of U.S. security strategy in East Asia, hosts nearly 30,000 American troops and plays a pivotal role in countering threats from North Korea. Analysts suggest that Yoon’s political crisis may complicate joint efforts to address regional security challenges, including deterrence against Pyongyang and maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific amid rising tensions with China.
